I plan on using Windows 8 but I have no intention of using that Metro touch-screen-centric user interface. Job one will be making the desktop look and feel just like windows 2000, and installing Find and Run Robot and LaunchBar Commander and use those to handle desktop like I do now.

I have no desktop icons on my desktop, it's completely 100% blank. Not even a background image. Just my system tray of icons. The actual desktop is a completely clean blue blank space. And that's how I like it.

I plan on using Windows 8 but I have no intention of using that Metro touch-screen-centric user interface. Job one will be making the desktop look and feel just like windows 2000, and installing Find and Run Robot and LaunchBar Commander and use those to handle desktop like I do now.

I have no desktop icons on my desktop, it's completely 100% blank. Not even a background image. Just my system tray of icons. The actual desktop is a completely clean blue blank space. And that's how I like it.

You plan on using Windows 8? Dude...You don't even use Windows 7...Your still on XP

Why not shop the United Federation of Planets in 2373 and get something that you may have problems providing power to but won't need to be replaced for a loooooong time. Any reputable dealer(i.e. not Ferengi) will be able to supply you with something that won't start World War III. If you can't do that, get an app that allows you to update your software to your choice of a future version so you don't have to do an update so often. Avoid programs that do this using the Skynet network.

I'd get Win7. Even a lot of the regulars on Windows Seven forum who count the days to beta leaks and releases are taking a pass on 8. It's just a stop gap so MS doesn't miss out on the finger drag market. For a desktop machine W7 is better.

It's made by CompuLab. If you're not interested in this particular Linux Mint configuration, there are also 'bare metal' PCs on their website. They make the popular fit-PC series that the MintBox is based on. Grab one of those and install whatever distro you like best.

I'm still running XP on a laptop that stays connected to a 24" monitor and external keyboard/mouse (I used to move the laptop between 2 offices, each w/ the same monitor/kbd/mouse).

Sometimes it's nice to use my wife's iPad if I'm not in my office (it's never worth moving the laptop), but it would make no sense at all to get another iPad.

Like Mouser, I'm thinking of jumping from XP to Windows 8 (I'm a slow os adopter, moved from OS/2 to XP in 2003). I'm also going to have to bite the bullet and upgrade Word & Excel 2002, so I might as well think of a big jump there too.

So I'm thinking of getting a Surface tablet, using it as a tablet on the porch and plugging it into my current office setup to learn Windows 8 and Office 201n.

Someone offered to buy me an iPad, but I declined since it would have been a waste of money. But I imagine the offer would extend to a Surface Pro.

I need something portable this time. Mac Mini with linux ? I'll see if there is any similar box for linux.

See my post above. (see attachment in previous post)The MintBox. Article here.It's made by CompuLab. If you're not interested in this particular Linux Mint configuration, there are also 'bare metal' PCs on their website. They make the popular fit-PC series that the MintBox is based on. Grab one of those and install whatever distro you like best.

looks cool to me. I checked system76s box which is not yet updated for new hardware- it has Dual core atom processor I know old one. costs at 399, nice config. thinking about that for now.